draw a compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw a compromise" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct.
It can be used when discussing the act of reaching a middle ground or agreement between differing parties, but a more standard expression is preferred. Example: "After hours of negotiation, the two sides were finally able to draw a compromise that satisfied both parties."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr Obama is attempting to draw a compromise between the two sides by endorsing what he calls an "extraordinarily fair" package that would see roughly $3 trillion in cuts, combined with a tax increase worth just under $1 trillion.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But officials, fearful that this would be too much of a security problem and would draw a media circus, compromised with the visit seven months later.

The Guardian

Yesterday morning, trade officials scrambled to draw up a compromise that would satisfy both sides.

The Guardian

If Mr. Boehner is having as much trouble whipping votes as he did on Thursday night, reducing the pool from which he might be able to draw together a compromise, this arithmetic problem could turn out to be intractable at some point.

The New York Times

In the advertisement, sponsored by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and running on both television and radio in slightly differing versions, an announcer asserts that "partisan Democrats put their interests ahead of national interests" in scuttling the stimulus measure, even though "moderate Democrats" had worked with the White House to draw up a compromise bill.

The New York Times

The 4-1 council decision clears the way for city and county officials to draw up a compromise list of potential county uses for the parcel, where the city's police station is now situated.

Los Angeles Times

It's more that we've learned where to draw a line, where to compromise, where to balance one thing against another -when to live with what is less than ideal and when to refuse to live with what you are given.

The New York Times

So how do you draw a line between professionalism and compromise?

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, the Wall Street clause, which would overturn elements of Dodd-Frank and grant government insurance to parts of the derivatives market, is sufficient provocation for many on the party's left to draw a line at the current compromise.

The Guardian

Nevertheless the Wall Street clause, which would overturn elements of the Dodd-Frank banking reform and grant government insurance to parts of the derivatives market, is sufficient provocation for many on the left of the party to draw a line at the current compromise.

The Guardian

As Borough President, Mrs. Motley had drawn up a compromise that brought the Morningside Urban Renewal Project plans out of stalemate & helped halt the proposed elevated expressway across Broome St.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and widespread understanding, consider using more conventional phrases like "reach a compromise" or "forge a compromise" instead of "draw a compromise".

Common error

While not grammatically incorrect, the phrase "draw a compromise" may sound unusual or less polished in formal writing. Opt for stronger verbs like "reach" or "forge" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw a compromise" functions as a verb phrase where "draw" acts as a transitive verb taking "compromise" as its direct object. The phrase describes the action of creating or formulating a compromise. Ludwig shows this usage in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw a compromise" is used to describe the process of creating or formulating a mutually acceptable agreement. While grammatically sound, Ludwig AI analysis suggests it is less common than alternatives like "reach a compromise" or "forge a compromise". Usage analysis reveals its presence in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. When aiming for clarity and widespread understanding, especially in formal writing, consider opting for the more conventional alternatives. Overall, while not incorrect, using "draw a compromise" might benefit from rephrasing for enhanced impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reach a compromise

Focuses on the act of successfully arriving at an agreement.

Forge a compromise

Emphasizes the effort and creation involved in achieving an agreement.

Strike a compromise

Highlights the negotiation and exchange aspects of reaching an agreement.

Work out a compromise

Suggests a problem-solving approach to finding an agreement.

Negotiate a compromise

Focuses on the discussion and bargaining process.

Develop a compromise

Highlights the gradual construction of an agreement.

Arrive at a compromise

Emphasizes the finality and completion of the agreement process.

Find a middle ground

Stresses the aspect of finding a position acceptable to all parties.

Find common ground

Highlights the shared interests that enable the agreement.

Settle on a compromise

Implies a conclusive decision after deliberation.

FAQs

What's a more common way to say "draw a compromise"?

More common alternatives include "reach a compromise", "forge a compromise", or "strike a compromise". These options are more frequently used and widely understood.

Is "draw a compromise" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "draw a compromise" is less common and may sound awkward to some. Ludwig's AI identifies it as a phrase that can be improved for clarity and impact. Other options are much more frequently used.

In what context is "draw a compromise" most appropriate?

The phrase "draw a compromise" can be used to describe the act of formulating or outlining a compromise, but it may be better suited for informal contexts. "Reach a compromise" is more neutral.

How does "draw a compromise" differ from "reach a compromise"?

"Draw a compromise" suggests the act of creating or outlining the details of an agreement, while "reach a compromise" implies successfully arriving at an agreement after negotiation or discussion.